Politics
Poll: Most Americans say religion’s influence is waning, and half think that’s bad
By Jack Jenkins — March 15, 2024
(RNS) — There is also growing concern among an array of religious Americans that their beliefs are in conflict with mainstream American culture.
A Wisconsin ruling on Catholic Charities raises the bar for religious tax exemptions
By Todd Richmond — March 14, 2024
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — U.S. religious institutions enjoy tax exemptions, most notably from property taxes. Debate has raged for decades over whether the exemptions are fair.
Alabama’s IVF protection law redefines embryonic personhood
By Mark Silk — March 13, 2024
(RNS) — A process that is taking place across the country.
Unexpected defeat of referendums shows growing power of Ireland’s traditional Catholics
By Daniel O'Connor — March 13, 2024
DUBLIN (RNS) — At a Mass said in Latin on Sunday (March 10), Ireland’s traditional Catholics declared political victory, days after a pair of referendums aimed at secularizing the Irish Constitution were unexpectedly and resoundingly defeated.
All eyes on Rafah as Ramadan gets underway
By Omar Suleiman — March 13, 2024
(RNS) — Muslims have navigated war, famine and death in Ramadan, but we’ve never watched a genocide in real time.
Rabbi, religious freedom delegation end Saudi trip early after yarmulke incident
By Adelle M. Banks — March 12, 2024
(RNS) — ‘No one should be denied access to a heritage site, especially one intended to highlight unity and progress, simply for existing as a Jew,’ said Rabbi Abraham Cooper.
India’s new citizenship law excludes Muslims. Here’s what to know
By Sheikh Saaliq — March 12, 2024
NEW DELHI (AP) — The implementation of the law has been one of the key poll promises of Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in the run-up to the general election, which is scheduled to be held by May.
Texas judge temporarily blocks attempt to shut down Annunciation House
By Aleja Hertzler-McCain — March 12, 2024
(RNS) — Ken Paxton attempted to ‘run roughshod over Annunciation House, without regard to due process or fair play,’ Francisco Dominguez, a state court judge, wrote in Monday’s ruling.
Safeguarding Israel with Torah study
By Avi Shafran — March 12, 2024
(RNS) — The question of Haredi conscription is not a matter of political privilege but religious liberty.
Shaun King converts to Islam
By Jack Jenkins — March 11, 2024
(RNS) — The controversial activist cited Palestinian suffering in Gaza as part of the inspiration for his conversion.
The anti-Zionist Jews countering mainstream support for Israel
By Yonat Shimron — March 11, 2024
RALEIGH, N.C. (RNS) — Pro-Israel Jews have denounced anti-Zionists as antisemitic and not really Jewish. But the ranks of this group are growing, and their criticism of Israel is catching on among younger U.S. Jews.
The Netherlands opens a Holocaust museum as protesters oppose Israeli president’s presence
By Barbara Surk and Molly Quell — March 11, 2024
AMSTERDAM (AP) — Herzog hailed the Netherlands's initiative to create a new Holocaust museum amid what he said was raising antisemitism around the world.
What is a frozen embryo worth? Alabama’s IVF case reflects bigger questions over grieving and wrongful death laws
By Katherine Drabiak — March 11, 2024
(The Conversation) — Alabama’s case began when three couples sued an IVF clinic where their frozen embryos had accidentally been dropped.
How Catholic is our president? The view from the SOTU.
By Charles C. Camosy — March 11, 2024
(RNS) — President Joe Biden had the opportunity to show the complexity of Catholic thought.
Scripture-quoting Alabama judge in IVF case bridges natural law and Christian nationalism
By Jack Jenkins and Paul O'Donnell — March 9, 2024
(RNS) — But those who know Tom Parker say his IVF concurring opinion was not simply a heartfelt expression of faith, but part of a strategy the chief justice has used to create legal precedent for conservative causes.
